Empire Of The Sun 1987

Janet Maslin, New York Times: There are many glorious moments here. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: The movie is always interesting from a narrative point of view. Spielberg is a good storyteller with a good tale to tell. But it never really adds up to anything. Read more

Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine: Spielberg has dreamed of flying before, and this time he earns his wings. Read more

Time Out: Spielberg includes a strand of populist heroism, yet even this fails to dent the awful message. And the budget makes itself seen, as does Bale's superlative Jim. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: No special use is made of the talents of Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano and the others, so it is up to young English thesp Bale to engage the viewer's interest, which he does superbly. Read more

Hal Hinson, Washington Post: Spielberg is a virtuoso performer, and virtuosity can't be dismissed. But what Empire of the Sun proves is that it can have its limitations. Read more

Desson Thomson, Washington Post: Spielberg seems unable to come to terms with anything real. Read more